A New Year, A New Adventure, A New Blog...

Well folks, I can hardly believe that it is Jan. 1, 2010. Anyone else feeling old?
As we start this new year, I'm inviting you to join us on a new journey...

Most of you know that Kayla and I will be writing a three-book series for B&H Publishers. The first one is set to release in 2011. Now - we are going to be sharing with you our 'travels' on this publishing road. All the craziness, all the laughter, all the tears, all the deadlines, goals, research, plotting, brainstorming, and celebrations. (Well, we're not giving away secrets of the books - you'll have to read them - but we are welcoming you in to this little corner of our lives.) Ever wondered what it was like to write a novel? Ever thought about how it would be to write as mother and daughter? What about the fact that we homeschool, the kids have swim-team six days a week... when and where do we fit in writing? All this and more I'm sure will be chatted about here. :) We welcome your questions and comments, encouragement and prayers.

For those of you who have been reading on http://kimberleywoodhouse.com - my blog will still continue with these posts from Kayla and me on Tues. and Thurs. - but this is a new blog http://kimberleyandkayla.blogspot.com that will also be on our new website http://kimberleyandkaylawoodhouse.com so there are lots of ways to find us! We look forward to hearing from you and hope you enjoy the ride.
With abundant joy,
Kim

Howdy! My name is Kayla R. Woodhouse, if you’ve read my mom’s blog, you’ve probably heard ALL about me. LOL

Mom and I are writing a series together set in Alaska. The "peoples" say that I will be the youngest-published-full-length-novelist ever. (Don’t worry, I freaked out too.) By the way, did I mention that I'm 12?

Now, I'm joining her in the wonderful fun of blogging. Just to warn you, I am a HUGE goof ball (it runs in the family, corniness runs deep through our veins!) If you don’t like humor, you don’t have to read my blog. :) In all seriousness, I hope you are touched by what we share here.

As you may know, about three years ago I had to have brain surgery. That was when I really started to read A LOT. Ever since then, I have loved books, and that love of books grew into a love for writing.

My brother and I were always coming up with stories and had already made 78 “episodes” of stuffed animal stories. I was always jotting down ideas and making up characters in my head, but I'd never really thought of becoming an author until my mom was offered a book contract for Welcome Home: Our Families Journey to Extreme Joy. She'd been writing since before I was born, so writing had always been part of out lives. But it was when we took a trip to the Grand Canyon that I came up with what I thought was my first 'slightly' good story. (Mom will tell you that I wrote lots of good stuff before this, but this is where I felt it all started.) I was surprised when my mom was amazed at my writing, and from then on - I wanted to get better and learn more. Mrs. Karen Ball, (a super-cool person who encouraged me to write when I was 10) offered to look at my stuff. Again I was amazed when she said she liked it and eventually, my mom and I were offered a three book deal, (while I was having Swim Team practice at the Olympic Training Center of all places!)

I hope that you will have fun reading my “oh so wonderful” blogging as my mom and I write and share our stories with you.
God Bless!-Kayla

Lotsa News ...

As 2009 comes to an end, I'm shocked at how fast the time flew by me. Was I paying attention? Did I miss something? Whew! I'm tired just thinking about it...

This year boasted the release of my first non-fiction book, as well as the release of a compilation I was asked to be a part of, a very busy speaking schedule, book tour, more TV appearances and radio interviews than I care to count, and my kids' first competitive swim meets. On top of that? Well, I'm thrilled and excited to share that Kayla and I were just offered a three-book deal from B&H Publishers for our romantic suspense series set in Alaska! The first one releases in 2011 - so be sure to watch for details!

That leads to my next news :)
As things gear up for this new series, Kayla and I will be blogging about our writing journey. She'll blog, and I'll blog, and we'll even video/blog together :) - should be LOTS of fun. Another exciting new thing: Kayla will be starting a new blog soon for teens and kids, (well, you "older" folks will enjoy it too!) and pursuing her own series for kids. So, if you have any young people in your life, be sure to share the news with them - it will be a separate web-site (kaylawoodhouse.com)- so let's get the word out! As soon as we have it live, I will let you all know.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a blessed holiday season as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. As always, I love to hear from you - and Kayla and I would LOVE to hear any ideas you may have for the blog or websites.

Thank you all for stickin' with us - and keep on reading!

Annual Gobble-Gobble Plunge

Well folks, it's that time of year again. I've now had 352 requests about my turkey diving story... (yes, I'm anal enough to go and count them) - "when are you going to post turkey diving?" "I want to read turkey diving again" "Isn't it turkey diving time?"

So this is for all of you... And if you haven't experienced turkey diving yet, I expect you to try it and to hear all about it!

TURKEY DIVING
After much interest in a post where I mentioned turkey diving -(and don't forget the prodding and threats from my wonderful readership) - This story's for you!

Our Safeway does this great thing before Thanksgiving where turkeys go on sale (this really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone). Anyway, it will have the really nice, brand-name turkeys for a deal - like up to a 14 pounder for a few bucks, and then over a 14 pounder for a couple bucks more. The key - is getting the most turkey poundage for your buck, right? Everyone with me so far?

Okay. So - the only way to really do this is to DIG through all of the turkeys in the freezer bins. Most people don't go to the trouble of intense searching, they see the sign and think, "ooh, turkeys are on sale" - and grab one. How do I know this? Many years of observation, that's how!

Let me tell you, those people disappoint me. Where's the fun in that? There is none! So...
This is what I do:

Go to the store with several friends- (it's even more fun if they have a child or two with them... you'll understand in a minute)- Head to those turkey freezers and everyone stake out territory. Then, you dig. And there are rules: You MUST look at every turkey in the freezer. Yes, I said EVERY turkey. And if you are too short to reach all the way in, you yell, "I'm goin' in!" One of your faithful friends will help you by holding your legs so that you can "dive" in. Another option is to throw a small child in to help you look (not literally - you don't really think I would do that, now do you?) Actually, you can hold the child's legs while they reach for that last one in the corner that no-one else can get to, but you just KNOW that's it's the biggest one in the freezer!

The other important thing to remember - is to sing! Yes, you heard me. Sing.
My personal favorite is "I love you a bushel and a peck, a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck..." This is great fun while turkey diving.

So, now you have the turkey diving story. I'm going to have to trademark it since everyone will know what I'm talking about. :)

This Thanksgiving season, I'll be watching for all you newbie "turkey divers" -- just don't come to MY Safeway -- I already have it staked out.
~kimberley woodhouse, copyright 2005

Things I Learned...

I just returned from a six-week book/speaking tour for the launch of my book, Welcome Home.
Over the period of travel for this trip, I learned some valuable lessons that I think others should know, should they decide to venture out on a similar endeavor.

Now, I should give you a disclaimer: I have been touring for almost 12 years with my speaking and music ministry - but I'm still learning - as you will discover below. :)

Things I learned on my six-week tour:

• Water is precious. This I know firsthand, from living in Colorado where we pay a pretty penny for our water. But in an RV - water is REALLY precious - especially hot water.
• The inability to use cruise control for over 6,000 miles - while pulling George (the aforementioned RV) through heavy wind and up and down hills... not a good thing. I still have a cramp in my leg.
• Aggressive, climbing snakes should be dealt with immediately if seen in close proximity to George. Trust me on this one. (Thanks, Erica.)
• Lots of rain and wood blocks attract ants. 'Nough said.
• Lack of reliable internet for six weeks while trying to work on my "marketing" - doesn't work too well.
• Blackberries (my phones) that malfunction a week and a half into the trip - do not help the above situation. Especially when I couldn't use a "y," "t," "i," "u," "d," or "5" in any of my correspondence.
• It is not the best idea to rely on people who have never pulled a trailer to assist/direct in backing up trailer.
• Someone will inevitably think you're the coolest person around and ask you to sign their arm. (I had three!)
• Always bring candy to booksignings. It opens the door for great conversations.
• Always know where the bathroom is at booksignings. (Trust me, you'll get asked.)
• Always be ready to twiddle your thumbs at booksignings. Be comfortable sitting there by yourself if need be.
• When you're fortunate enough to sign so many books that the bookstore manager just about kisses your feet for being there - praise God, and be thankful. Remember the other signings where you signed five, and praise God for keeping you humble.
• Be ready to sign your book any time, any place. For instance - the bathroom, or perhaps when you're dumping sewage. (See the previous blog post if the "dumping sewage" part threw you off.)
• Bring lots of shoes. Just make sure you can get to them when you need them.
• I love talking to kids. Elementary, Junior High, High School students. I had a ball talking to schools - and they seemed to have fun, too.
• I really, really, really, really, really, really, like my own bed. And my home. I appreciate it all even more now.
• I have some of the greatest friends in the world. Thanks for coming to see us and support us - and for the refreshment along the way.
• My kids, Josh and Kayla, are the most amazing, inspiring, and wonderful kids around. (Okay, so I already knew that - but wow, they made the trip even better!)
• Even if just one person's life was touched or changed, it was worth it.

Life As an Author On the Road...

Oh, the glamorous life of an author! (Insert hysterical laughter here)

I giggle every time a new “fan” comes up to me and says with a dreamy sigh, “I would just love to be an author and travel around like you…”

While the life of ‘us writers’ (can you hear my southern twang?) is truly wonderful and constantly adventurous—it might not be as glamorous as you think.

So today is dedicated to stories from the road. I’m on a six-week book tour, getting the word out about my new release, Welcome Home. Below you’ll find some “glamorous” tidbits of the fun we have had…

• The choke on the backup generator got bumped to “on” as we were pulling out of Colorado – gasoline began to spew all over the RV, the road, and me… (that was a LOT of fun to clean up!)
• First night on the road, we finally made it to our destination: a wonderful RV park in Texas. It was well past midnight; the kids and I were getting the rig set up with flashlights, trying to be as quiet as we could. Then… the water line had a leak. Oh, and not just any ol’ little, drippy leak. We’re talking Old Faithful, gushing, fountain-like kind of leak. I gave up and went to bed. (Thankfully, it was an easy fix the next day with a simple O-ring… whew!)
• After day one’s adventures and getting myself drenched twice in one day, I prayed for a little calmer second day. On a little highway in Texas, I received my wish. Counting giant windmills to pass the time and miles, my children counted over 1400 in less than an hour. Gotta love West Texas.
• The adventures continued as Houston traffic became hazardous to my health and blood pressure. I have gained a new respect for anyone pulling a large trailer going five miles slower than everyone else, and for people who actually know how to use a blinker.
• Backing up with a trailer (and my whole rig is almost 50 feet long) has proved to test my best thinking skills and ability to talk to myself while driving. “Now, I need to turn my wheels right… no left… no right, to get the trailer to back up to the left?” To which my son Josh jokingly replied, “Mom? I don’t drive, why are you asking me?” (Let’s just say my comedy of errors will definitely make it in a book one day… and I'm actually pretty good at backing up now)
• Lots of rain and wood blocks under tongue of the trailer attracted ants. Lots of them. They made a nest. Let’s just say I left those blocks (and hopefully the ants) in Alabama.
• A truck driver stopped me at a truck stop in Arkansas as I was utilizing the lovely “dump” station for George (our RV) – I was hot, sweaty, and draining sewage – I’m sure it was a beautiful sight. He asked, “Hey, haven’t I seen you somewhere?” Ugh. Yep – you guessed it, he’d seen us on TV. But it gets better – he was reading my book, had it in the cab of his truck, and proceeded to ask me for an autograph. I asked him if he wanted to wait until I was done, or if he wanted me to go ahead and sign it then and there. He laughed so hard, he sat down on the ground.

These are only a few of my crazy adventures from the road. But there've been amazing, and humbling stories, too:

• People who drove three to seven hours to come to one of my booksignings
• Kayla getting to meet another 12-year-old who struggles with a rare medical condition
• Hugs and prayers from fans all over the place
• Being told I was the most powerful speaker someone had ever heard
• Seeing family and friends from years gone by
• Listening to testimony after testimony about how my book has actually changed people's lives
• Speaking in my sister's city the very week that she delivered her very first baby!

Our God is so cool - and so very good. My life may not be glamorous, but it sure is fun...

A Bus, A Megaphone, and Ty Pennington...

I'm a little frazzled right now as I prepare for a six-week book/speaking tour. But today is very special.

Two years ago today, the amazing Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team pulled up in a bus and Ty Pennington shouted to the sky and everyone within hearing distance, "Good Morning, Woodhouse Family!"

To say that it changed our lives doesn't quite express that experience correctly. Each and every day I wake up and praise God for what He's done.

I'm so thankful. Thankful for this amazing home. Thankful for my kids' health improvements. Thankful for the opportunities that have opened up because of this. And thankful for the chance to encourage and bring hope to other people in need.

Thank you all for your encouragement, love, and support. Thank you for your notes, your hugs, your buying 20 copies of my book to give to friends. :) Thank you for traveling this journey with us.

A special thanks to Matt and Shannon Swanson. You are precious to us. Thank you for all you did to make this possible. And thanks to the community of Colorado Springs.

God is so good.

I pray you are all blessed by our story - and let me remind you that His joy is always there.

Three Years and Counting...

Today marks the three-year anniversary of my beautiful daughter Kayla's brain decompression surgery.

Our great God never ceases to amaze me. I look at my incredible kids every day and am marveled by His grace and love.

And what I think about on Sept. 26 is the fact that Kayla's brain was being squished by her skull. Part of her skull has since been removed, part of the top two vertebrae were drilled out, and her dura membraine was opened up and made bigger. Looking at her today, I can hardly believe it.

Kayla has been through so much in her life, and yet, she keeps on smiling. Each day she faces with new determination and grit. She swims miles upon miles every day, studies her Bible, does mountains of schoolwork, and brainstorms new books with me. To look at her, you'd never guess that she deals with a rare nerve disorder every day, or that she underwent such a huge surgery three years ago.

I'm attaching a picture of the kids at the Grand Canyon this past spring. Look at this picture and try to tell me our God isn't awesome. Look at this picture and try to tell me He's not the God of miracles. Look at this picture and try to tell me it's okay to whine and complain. :)

No.

Instead? Look at this picture and be amazed. Then look at your own life. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, grab onto His joy, and smile.

Life is hard. But our God is SO good.

Follow the Blog Tour for WELCOME HOME!!

Click on the link below to follow the blog tour and see where we're talking about WELCOME HOME

http://www.kimberleywrites.blogspot.com

And don't forget to order or pick up your copy today - AVAILABLE NOW!!
www.kimberleywoodhouse.com

Follow the Blog Tour for WELCOME HOME!!

I am privileged and honored to be featured on all these blogs. Please follow the blog tour and comment on them! Some are even giving away copies of my book Welcome Home
Thank you so much! Please be in prayer for the launching of this book.

2-Aug-09 Lena Nelson Dooley
10-Aug-09 Tracy Ruckman http://pixnpens.blogspot.com/
12-Aug-09 Sherry Kyle http://www.sherrykyle.com/
16-Aug-09 Angie Breidenbach http://godusesbrokenvessels.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Mary DeMuth http://www.relevantblog.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Laura Hilton http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/
17-Aug-09 Ane Mulligan http://www.anemulligan.blogspot.com/
18-Aug-09 Melanie Dickerson http://www.melaniewrites.blogspot.com/
19-Aug-09 Tiffany Colter http://writingcareercoach.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-kimberly-woodhouse.html and http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9910-Writing-Examiner~y2009m8d18-An-interview-with-Kimberly-Woodhouse
19-Aug-09 Tiffany Stockton http://amberstockton.blogspot.com/
19-Aug-09 Stormi Johnson http://writesthoughts.blogspot.com/
20-Aug-09 Christa Allan http://www.cballan.wordpress.com/
20-Aug-09 Elizabeth Ludwig http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com/
21-Aug-09 Debra Ullrick www.christianromancewriter.blogspot.com/
22-Aug-09 Paulette Harris http://comeandsitawhile.blogspot.com/
23-Aug-09 Ane Mulligan http://www.anemulligan.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Evangeline Denmark http://breathenbreatheout.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Sharon Lavy http://sharonlavy.blogspot.com/
24-Aug-09 Donna Moore http://writebyfaith.blogspot.com/
25-Aug-09 CJ Darlington http://www.cjdarlington.blogspot.com/
25-Aug-09 Marjorie Vawter http://www.marjorievawter.blogspot.com/
26-Aug-09 Donita K. Paul http://www.donitakpaul.blogspot.com/
26 Aug - 09 Delores Liesner http://deloresliesner.blogspot.com/
28-Aug-09 Cynthia Ruchti http://www.cynthiaruchti.com/
28-Aug-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
29-Aug-09 http://milehighscribes.blogspot.com/
30-Aug-09 Ronie Kendig http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
31-Aug-09 Dineen Miller http://dineenmiller.blogspot.com/
31-Aug-09 Jan Parrish http://janparrish.blogspot.com/
1-Sep-09 Lori Kasbeer http://laurelwreathsreflections.com/lorisbookreviews/
2-Sep-09 Pamela James http://pammer.blogspot.com/
3-Sep-09 Cheryl Wyatt http://www.scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com/
4-Sep-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
5-Sep-09 Heather Tipton http://heatherdianetipton.blogspot.com/
7-Sep-09 Gina Conroy http://ginaconroy.com/ginablog/wordpress/
9-Sep-09 Tricia Goyer http://www.triciagoyer.blogspot.com/
9-Sep-09 Michele Cushatt http://www.michelecushatt.com/
11-Sep-09 Camy Tang http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/
11-Sep-09 Angie Arndt http://angiearndt.wordpress.com/
11-Sep-09 Darcie Gudger http://www.joyinthelitterbox.blogspot.com/
12-Sep-09 Kay Day http://www.loopdeloops.blogspot.com/
13-Sep-09 Cara Putman http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/
14-Sep-09 Paula Moldenhauer http://gracereign.blogspot.com/
15-Sep-09 Lynn Mosher http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com/
15-Sep-09 Seekerville http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com
16-Sep-09 Jodi York http://www.jodiyork.com/
16-Sep-09 Linda Baldwin http://www.lindamaebaldwin.com/
16-Sep-09 Alison Strobel http://alisonstrobel.blogspot.com/
16-Sep-09 Niki Nowell http://nikinowell.wordpress.com/
21-Sep-09 Tirsh Perry http://www.trishperry.com/
LaShaunda Hoffman http://lashaunda.blogspot.com/

Winners Announced, Website Revamped, and Wabbit Trails...

Sorry, I couldn't resist alliteration.

FIRST! Drum-roll please - I am announcing the winners of our year-long reading contest:

First Place - Leila Goheen
Second Place - Leticia Glidewell
Third Place - Debby Sumpter
Fourth Place - Kellie Minkler

Leila and Leticia both almost read 24,000 pages each this past year. Debby read almost 19,000 pages, and Kellie read almost 14,000 pages. Congratulations to all our winners - and thank you so much for participating!

To claim your prize - you must do TWO things :) First, leave a comment on this blog post about your reading experience this year - and second, use the contact page on this website to confirm your mailing address. I want to triple-check these boxes before we mail them out - they have a lot of books in them!

And just so you know - There were 3,509 entries!!!!!! That's a lot of entries and a lot of books read!
More than 2,000 people read 10,000 pages or more in a year.
More than 500 people wrote in asking for recommendations of books.
And over 200 people read through their Bible in the past year.
What an awesome contest.

Now, I've already had requests to do it again... whew, that makes me tired - but keep watching - I just might get adventurous and do it again!

SECOND!
Many of you have noticed that the website is a little different. We have completely revamped it and updated it, but it is still a work in progress. Please keep watching the appearances page for updates on my fall tour. I would LOVE to see any of you at the churches or speaking engagements or booksignings. If you still would like to try to squeeze us in - please use the contact form on the contact page!

THIRD!
I've gotten thousands upon thousands of emails through this site from those of you who follow the blog or just like coming to my website to check and see what's happening. Thank you. Thank you for reaching out to us, for supporting us, and praying for us. I've been doing a lot of thinking, planning, and reflecting. I'm looking forward to the future and what the Lord has in store for us. Be watching the blog for more details!

Thank you all for your patience as this summer has flown by and my book Welcome Home has launched.

Again, congratulations to our winners! Thank you to all the wonderful authors who donated books for prizes!
In His Abundant Joy!
Kim

Who Will Win?

Our year-long reading contest is coming to a close! Everyone needs to get their tallies in to me by June 30th.

We've had over 3,500 participants write in over the past year that they were participating, and we have WONDERFUL prizes - lots of great books donated from INCREDIBLE authors! Thank you so much to everyone who helped make this possible.

Remember to email through the site -
Your name, your address, total number of books read with title and author, total number of pages read, and if you read through the entire Bible in this past year. Am I missing anything?

Winners will be announced in July, (if all 3,500 of you send in sheets, it may take us awhile to sort through them all) and we will be sending out the prizes. My wonderful friend and assistant, Lori, will be having fun at the post office - that's for sure!

Thanks for being a part of the contest. I can't wait to hear from you!

Keep reading!!!

Discipline

I posted this on our ACFWColorado blog this morning and thought I'd share it here:

Writing should be a discipline. How many of you look at it as such?

As I sit here at the pool for another long swim-team practice, I'm struck by that word - discipline. My kids are swimmers. We have practice six days a week, three hours a day. Then, we head to the YMCA and they swim for another hour or two. They are disciplined. Determined. Focused. When I was growing up, it was piano practice that took two to three hours of my day. My point? To excel at anything, you have to practice. It's a discipline.

I've met a lot of other writers since immersing myself in this world of an author. One thing I have noticed is how many "wannabe" writers - and even a few published writers - don't want to work at it. They want to be discovered, get published, become famous, and it all to happen overnight by osmosis. Because they have talent. They shouldn't have to work at it. They should just write and it be gloriously brilliant the first draft. I mean once you're published, you shouldn't need to attend classes at a conference, submit anything to critique partners, or work to polish your masterpiece. It's all about marketing, networking, and sales at that point. Right?

Ummm, that's a big fat NO.

You have to work at writing. You have to constantly be willing to learn. You have to practice the art of writing. It takes discipine. It takes diligence.

Just like one performance of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody takes hundreds of hours of practice at the piano, or one 100 meter Freestyle sprint in the Olympics takes swimming hundreds of thousands of meters - so one well-written manuscript should take work, practice, edits, and thousands of uses of the delete button.

Are you willing to practice? Are you willing to keep learning? Are you willing to be disciplined about this art and craft?

Don't get caught up in the old adage "practice makes perfect" - it isn't true. As I've told all my students over the years, "Practice doesn't make it perfect. Only perfect practice makes it perfect." If you are continually practicing the wrong way - it will never be perfect.

Be willing to stretch yourself. Be willing to learn. Be willing to grow. Be disciplined. Join a writing group like ACFW and surround yourself with others who will encourage you, hold you accountable, and help you along this writing road.

Write. Write. And write some more. Humble yourself and ask for direction, for help, for another set of eyes. And learn how to take constructive criticism.

Discipline. I'm learning even more about it from my kids. What an awesome way to learn.

The End is Drawing Near - Reading Contest

I've already received some of your lists, and others have asked how much longer they have to read. :) You guys are great!

I will accept entries until the last day of June. So read your little hearts out until then, just make sure I receive your entry by June 30.

Remember, keep track of number of books, pages, and your Bible reading.

It has been a great year - thank you all so much for sticking with me on this challenge! It has been a crazy year for us, and this grew bigger than I expected. I really had no idea how many people would enter, and what an inspiration it would be to so many to read! I may do another one soon (a shorter one since you guys are so incredibly amazing), so be watching!

Send me a note through the contact form on this site and I'll let you know how to turn in your totals.

Happy Reading!
Kim

SwimNetwork Article on Kayla

Visit Swimnetwork.com and click on the story, "More Than Just A Sport" to see a new article on Kayla.

USA Swimming is incredible and we so enjoy being a part.

Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy

I'm excited to let you all know that my non-fiction book, Welcome Home: Our Family's Journey to Extreme Joy is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and Christianbook.com
Click here to order from Amazon

Click here to order from CBD and read the reviews

Reading Contest!!

Okay, folks. We only have a few weeks left in our reading contest. Gather up all the titles and page numbers and keep a tally sheet to send to me. We have incredible, and I do mean, INCREDIBLE prizes.

If you have any questions or comments - post them soon, so that everyone is ready for the contest to end.

I'm so excited about how many people have entered this reading contest. Here is a link to some of the books that will be given away as prizes. With links to all the incredible authors' websites.

So check out the books and keep those pages turning. Time is running short!

Here is another reminder and more info.

Keep track of the title, author, and number of pages for the books that you read.
And ALL books count. If you are a pre-school teacher and read a stack of books each day to your students, they ALL count. Keep track of them! The non-fiction, self-help books that you read, Bible Study books, novels, books you read to your children, AND there will be a special prize for those who read through the entire Bible during our year-long contest!

There will be winners for:
Most Books Read
Most Pages Read
Most Variety of Authors Read
and those who read through the entire Bible AND one of the above.


And another big shout-out THANK YOU to all the amazing authors who donated prizes:
A.K. Arenz
Shirley Kiger Connolly
Mary Davis
Sharon Dunn
Laurie Alice Eakes
Tina Ann Forkner
Cynthia Hickey
Anita Higman
J.M. Hochstetler
Michelle Sutton
Nancy Jo Jenkins
Patti Lacy
Vickie McDonough
S. Dionne Moore
Trish Perry
Stacy Stallings
Camy Tang
Debra Ullrick

Looking forward to hearing about your reading experiences this year!

Words... How Are We Using Them?

All of us "writers" are wordsmiths. We string words together like beautifully made jewelry, attempting to paint a picture that inspires the mind and soul.

But they aren't always used that way. They can be a powerful sword that slices through people's hearts.

When someone wrongs you, do you go bash that person online with your words? Do you spread all the horrible stories you know about them, trying to get everyone to take your side? Do you get on the phone and spew hateful words? Twitter? Facebook? Blogs?

I'm challenging us all today, because words can hurt. In this age of technology, it takes but mere seconds to get our thoughts out there to the masses. The problem is, how many of us pray about those words before we write them? say them?

I just received an email from a reader who had heard an untruth about our family's story on TV. But guess what? This person began to "follow" me online, and noticed a difference in my words from the other party's. It was a powerful example to this reader.

Now, none of us are perfect. We will hurt people, wrong people, sin, and basically just make a mess out of things. But we can always try to do better. We can work on how we use our words. We can remember that spewing negativity will only make us more miserable. We can pray before we speak, or write.

We can follow Christ's example. How did He use His words?

Words. They are powerful. Use them wisely.

***
Kimberley Woodhouse is a wife, mother, author, and musician with a quick wit and positive outlook despite difficult circumstances. A popular speaker, she’s shared at more than 600 venues across the country. Kimberley and her family's story have garnered national media attention for many years, but most recently her family was chosen for ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Montel Williams Show, and Discovery Health channel’s Mystery ER which premiered in 2008. Her story, Welcome Home: Our Family’s Journey to Extreme Joy, releases in September 2009 from Focus on the Family/Tyndale Publishers and is available now for pre-order. Kimberley lives, writes, and homeschools in Colorado with her husband and two children in their truly “extreme” home. Pre-order Welcome Home
Kim's Website

Chasing My Tail

Yes, I know, if I were truly chasing my tail - it would be smaller. But seriously, where does the time go?

Between speaking engagements, edits, deadlines, photo inserts, radio interviews, homeschooling, swim team, and just plain ole life - I'm behind. And I'm talking WAY, way, way behind.

Biggest news is that my non-fiction book is available for pre-order now! Woohoo! Please celebrate with me and let everyone know!

Next, I was also asked to contribute to another book that is coming out this summer - please check the books page for more details.

I'd encourage every one of you to get on twitter and follow me - my name is kimwoodhouse on twitter. There are several buttons on the website to make it easy for you - but it will also help to keep everyone informed.

There's much more to come - with pics of the Grand Canyon, news on the kiddos' swimming, dodging tumbleweeds, and news about the reading contest! So, stay tuned!
Off to swim team we go - but I will return, and it won't take as long this time, I promise. :)
In HIS joy!!!

REAL Moms... REAL Jesus - Meet the Friend Who Understands

Do you ever wonder if you're real? Do you ever feel alone? Because nobody could ever feel like you do... no one could ever be your friend... no one could possibly understand.

Oh, my friend, but you are real. You aren't alone. And there's a Friend just waiting for you to share your burdens.

Jill Savage -- founder of Hearts At Home, and author of several books -- recently sent me her new release, REAL Moms... REAL Jesus. And let me tell you, I got sucked in. Read it all in one sitting. Plan on reading it again and again...

This book is for every mom out there. No matter what stage of mothering you are in, this book is for you. Jill shares candidly from her heart. Her love and humor simply ooze out onto the page and make you feel at home -- all while tackling tough, and REAL mom issues.

Issues like - How can God understand? Temptation. Going to the bathroom alone. Uninterrupted sleep. Disobedience, Service, Forgiveness, Truth, Trust, Faith, Prayer, Surrender.

For each instance, she shows us Jesus' example and how to follow in His footsteps.
This book touched me incredibly.

Hearts At Home has always meant a lot to me. I was speaking at a Mom's convention several years ago and afterward, one of the moms stopped and told me, "You bring an entirely new meaning to Stay-At-Home-Mom." We laughed together, because yes, our circumstances aren't quite like most - but it made me appreciate Hearts At Home's ministry more than ever. There are thousands of moms across the country who need that ministry. Moms like me. Moms like you.

I was going to do a giveaway for a copy of this great book, but I have a friend - fellow author, Tiffany Stockton, who is about to (any day!) have her first child. I am going to give it to her. Tiff, I pray the encouragement of Jill's book touches you deeply as it has me.

Jill - thank you for writing this incredible book. I will be purchasing many to give to other moms.

For more information on Jill Savage - please visit: Jill Savage

For more information on Hearts At Home - please visit: Hearts At Home

Pondering

I haven't blogged in a while. Life has been crazy, and I mean C-R-A-Z-Y.

But what am I doing now? I'm sitting in bed, propped up by pillows, surrounded by kleenex, ibuprofen, antibiotics, and every kind of de-snottifying medication I had in the house.

Nothing like a little sickness to MAKE you take a break. Even if you don't have time for one.

This entry will probably take every last bit of energy I have, but I will feel satisfaction that I accomplished... something.

This junk has so knocked me off my feet that I understand now why people die from it. "The Crud" - as I've heard it so aptly named - has taken hold and I eagerly await the time when I can, once again, take a full breath without dire consequences. My eyes are swollen, my nose is swollen, and my whole head feels like it could explode at any moment. I'm sure it would be a nasty mess to clean up, but wow, can you imagine the relief? Sigh.

So as I sit here and dream about breathing freely, I'm also thinking about those things that are of eternal value. I know, you're wondering how those two intersected in my mind. But it's true. I recently finished a book by Randy Alcorn, Deadline, that has had me thinking ever since. It's not an easy read - there are a LOT of words in this novel - but well worth the time. It's thought-provoking, and really put my life here on earth into perspective.

I pondered Deadline a lot as I was reading it - but while I've been laid up, I've thought about it much more. And that's saying a ton, because I haven't been able to focus on much.

So when a book touches my life in such a way, I know I am supposed to share. It took me over a week to get through it (but I read really fast) so it may take you a month or more, but I would definitely recommend it. Randy Alcorn tackles some incredibly hard topics, but he also gives a fascinating idea--possibly even a glimpse--of heaven.

And I don't know about you -- but I am really looking forward to heaven. (No sickness in heaven!) Until then, I am going to do my best with what He's given me.